Reunion (Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Moving On

The students were so quiet, Hermione could hear Viktor's footsteps echoing across the hall, as he awkwardly walked to McGonagall's podium. She noticed his eyes scanning the crowd, but in such a way that he seemed to be looking for someone.

Oh no. She thought to herself. Please don't see me. Please.

Fate wasn't on her side. Viktor's eyes finally rested on Hermione. His expression changed, from hard determination to...nothing. His face fell blank. She met his eyes. They waited, in their own little world, for someone to make the first move. But it was cut short when a third year student, sitting at the Ravenclaw table, jumped up and shouted. "YEAH KRUM!"

The Hall busted into cheers, hollers, and applause. Everyone was participating. Hermione looked uncomfortably looked down at the floor, and apprehensively clapped with the crowd. She looked over her shoulder and noticed Ron, slouched over, glaring at Krum. His hands didn't move to clap, his lips didn't open to utter a sound. She found his hand and wrapped it in hers. He gave her a crooked smile, and got up from his seat, leaving the Hall. Hermione forlornly watched him go. Ginny reached over the table and squeezed Hermione's hand.

"It'll be okay." She said with a smile. "He just needs time, to get used to it."

"I know." Hermione said. "I feel awful about it."

"Don't." Harry exclaimed, reassuringly. "You just need to tell Viktor what you had is long over, and that you're with Ron now."

"It's not like it's even a big deal!" Hermione stated. "I'm sure Viktor doesn't even remember me..."

"Oh yeah? I don't think that's the case." Harry responded, gesturing to the front of the hall by jerking his head.

Hermione looked up, and saw Viktor standing next to Professor McGonagall, staring transfixed at her. When she took notice, his cheeks flashed scarlet and he quickly looked away. Hermione groaned as she realized that he didn't forget about her at all.

***

When the cheering died down, McGonagall stepped aside, allowing Viktor to speak to the students. He cleared his throat as he prepared to talk. Hermione's stomach flipped at the sound of his familiar voice.

"Hello students, thank you all for such a warm welcome. I am very excited to be here! Job opportunities like this don't just come around every day. They are something special, just like this incredible school. I feel so incredibly honored, and I can't wait to start. Thank you!"

The students broke out into cheers again. Hermione frowned. That was all he had to say? She looked over the table at Harry and Ginny, who wore similar expressions.

"Is that it?" Ginny asked, looking up at the high table.

"Well, he was never much of a talker..." Hermione stated.

"Wow, you think he would say something the slightest bit personal...He sounded like a robot." Harry said, running a hand through his jet black hair.

Hermione looked up at the high table again. Professor Sprout had led Viktor to his seat, in between Hagrid and Professor Flitwick. She watched as he removed his big, red coat. His eyes trailed along the table of Gryffindor's, until they rested on Hermione again. He cracked a smile, and subtly waved at her. She quickly looked away, and bit her lip. Ginny sighed.

"What are you thinking, Hermione?" She asked, laying her head on Harry's shoulder.

"This is going to be an interesting year..."

***

Viktor took another sip from his goblet, and plunked it back down on the table. He was in conversation with the gatekeeper, Hagrid, who was telling him all about the magical creatures that he encountered in his life. Viktor tried his best to listen, but he kept finding himself distracted by something. A someone.

She was so beautiful. She always was, but Viktor was gobsmacked at how she had matured into such a stunning girl. He kept stealing glances at her, admiring her familiar big brown eyes, and bright smile. Whenever she caught him staring, Viktor would either look away, or give her a friendly smile, or wave. Every time she ignored him.

When the dessert plates had been cleared, Professor McGonagall took to the podium, and cleared her throat. The students fell silent.

"Alright then, everyone back to your houses now. See you tomorrow for classes." The students got up from the tables, and headed towards the doors that led to the hallways. Viktor knew it was his only chance to catch Hermione tonight. He hopped down from the high table, and rushed into the jumble of kids.

He maneuvered through the group of students, ducking under arms, and weaving through people having conversations. He stood up on his tiptoes, craning his neck to find her. Sure enough, he saw her pass through the doors. He quickened his pace, and found himself in the Entrance Hall. He watched Hermione's friends' part ways with her, and hurried up behind her.

"Hermione!" He exclaimed, placing his hand on her shoulder. She turned around to face him.

"Hello Viktor, how are you?" He smiled, and scuffed his boots off of the floor.

"Honestly, I've been better. But I feel a whole lot greater now that I finally get to talk to you." Hermione bit her lip, and stared at the floor.

"Viktor, listen. I know what we had, and I loved it, but it's over. That was 3 years ago! Haven't you moved on? I'm sure dozens of girls are knocking down your door." Viktor blushed, and looked into her eyes. The eyes that once looked into his with happiness and admiration. Now, were blank.

"There's never been another girl. You're all I think about."

"Well, I'm sorry, but I have moved on. And if you taking this job was your way of trying to win me back, then you shouldn't be here." She abruptly turned on her heel, leaving Viktor alone, blinking after her.